Top Penn State wrestling commit Marcus Blaze wins Ohio Wrestler of the Year

Penn State wrestling commit Marcus Blaze picked up another award to finish off his high school career before heading to State College.

On Tuesday, the Ohio High School Wrestling Coaches Association named Blaze its Male Wrestler of the Year after winning his fourth state title and finishing his high school career with a staggering 200-2 record.

Blaze could have an early impact for Cael Sanderson, Penn State wrestling

Blaze is the top overall recruit for the 2025 cycle. He is a key part of the Nittany Lions’ No. 1-ranked recruiting class, alongside future teammate No. 2 PJ Duke. The departure of senior Beau Bartlett at 141 pounds opens up a spot in the starting lineup where Blaze could fit in seamlessly. He projects to be either a 133 or 141-pounder to begin his collegiate career, so the other option would be for him to compete with current 133-pound starter Braeden Davis.

What could shuffle things around in the Nittany Lions lineup is where World Champion Masanosuke Ono fits in for Sanderson. In his interview on FloWrestling Radio Live, Ono expressed that the coaching staff planned to fill him in somewhere between 133 and 157.

Ono also figures to compete at 133 or 141 in 2026, with Shayne Van Ness and Tyler Kasak returning at 149 and 157. If Davis decides not to take a redshirt season, odds are he’ll have one of the Nittany Lions’ talented newcomers hot on his heels for a starting spot.

The Penn State wrestling room has always flexed its immense depth. Of course, the Nittany Lions put that depth on full display at the NCAA Championships a few weeks ago, becoming just the second team to finish with 10 All-Americans.

Blaze has plenty of experience against college-level competition, so don’t be surprised if he can make an instant impact in 2026, much like star freshman Luke Lilledahl did this season.

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